To Raise Awareness of Hindu Values and spirit of Self Respect for all by promoting unity among Hindus

The Southern California Chapter of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America hosted a Two-Day Convention on April 21, 2018 and April 22, 2018 at the Gayatri Chetna Center and in the City of Anaheim, Conference Hall, California

The Convention began with Ekatmata Prayer. All the delegates who attended the Convention discussed the object and mission of VHPA. The Mission of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America is to focus on the following: PRACHAR – Raise Awareness by promoting unity among Hindus through networking of Parishad Chapters and like-minded organizations, Raise Hindu Awareness through Conventions, Seminars and media. SEVA – Cultivate Hindu Values, spirit of Self Respect for all, Create opportunities for imbibing Hindu Values, Scriptures, and Heritage through Bal Vihar, Camps, Family Retreats, Hindu Community Centers and Educational Institutions. SAMPARK – Network – Establish Worldwide Contacts with Hindu Institutions, Temples, through Projects and Programs focusing on Hindu Interests. Bridge communities and people of all Faiths and Raise Funds for Parishad. Dr. Abhaya Astana, President of VHPA and the General Secretary presented the audience with the current activities and Projects through powerful powerpoint.

At the convention, the VHPA delegates also expressed their desire that the Southern California Chapter participate wholeheartedly in the World Hindu Congress Event 2018, to be held on September 7-9 in Chicago. Registration for the WHC was also conducted at the convention. Several community members attending the Convention registered for the WHC Event. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be the Chairperson at the WHC Event. The delegates also discussed various projects that are in work, and how those projects can be improved on a National Level and overcome challenges that they have encountered. The delegates were extremely grateful to the Convener Mr. Keshav Patel for organizing the Convention and giving them the opportunity to share various projects with the Southern California Chapter Team.

On April 22, 2018, VHPA, Trustees of various Temples and Presidents and Secretaries of Non-Profit Organizations of Southern California attended the “Meet and Greet” Event, at the Pashupatinath & Buddha Temple in Anaheim. Charu Shiva Kumar emceed the event. Swamy Vighyananda ji, graced this event. He spoke on Hinduism and shared important information about the Hindu Culture and Dharma. There was a question and answer session which gave the audience a chance to speak and express their concerns and bring awareness. There were various trustees of temples who spoke about the activities at their temples to bring the Hindu Awareness and educate the community.

Mr. Dharmesh Patel represented the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Riverside and he was extremely happy to come to the beautiful Temple. He was proud that at least 1/3rd of the audience were from a younger generation. We need to involve the younger generations for all future events. Kaushik Patel of Gayatri Chetna Center spoke about the activities at the center. There were several others like Swami Adrishananda of Shiv Durga Mandir of Montebello, spoke about promoting Unity. Mr. Bhakta Thapa, the President of Pashupatinath and Buddha Temple welcomed the guests and some temple devotees honored all the guests with the Rudraksha Mala. Rishi Datkal, Consul General of Nepal, Bhakta Thapa President and the Temple Rameshor Bhandari Acharya received everyone with warm welcome. This program also included the Youth Participation where the youth spoke passionately about five constant duties of Hindu Children. Dinner was served by the Pashupatinath and Buddha Temple and Prof. Keshav Patel thanked everyone for their participation and the hospitality of the Pashupathinath and Buddha Temple.